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How to Repair French Doors

French doors are a stylish addition to a home that connects outdoor and indoor spaces. However, they can experience issues over time, which require prompt attention for both safety and functionality.

Sagging, misalignment and warping of door frame and sash are all common issues. Most of these problems can be solved with just a bit of time and effort.

Misaligned Locks

Some doors can be slack or awry due to humidity or wood swelling, or house settlement. This could cause the strike or lock bolt plate move out of alignment which requires more force to open and close the door. This could also put extra stress on the locks, which may eventually lead to broken locks or damaged inner components. This is a common problem that can be resolved through DIY solutions.

In certain situations there are times when a tiny amount of lubricant may be enough to make the door easier to open and close. You can apply a graphite lubricant but make sure that it is safe for the door. Be sure to clean the door with a damp cloth to eliminate any dirt from around the door before you apply the oil.

A door that is hanging off-center is easily repaired by loosening and adjusting the hinges until they align with the frame. However, be careful to avoid over-tightening the screws, as this could damage the door or hinges.

If your exterior French doors aren't closing properly, this could be a sign that there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. This usually happens due to short screws that came from the factory that have come loose over time. To fix this, simply replace the screws with ones that grip more of the door frames wood.

You can also adjust the lock, but this is more difficult and complex. Start by loosening either the lock knob or handle using flathead screws. After that, you can remove the lock assembly by unscrewing it from the cubbyhole and taking it out. Examine it for any obstructions and then put it back together and tighten the screw connections.

If the latch doesn't touch the strike plate, you may have to move the strike plate or expand it. If the strike plate is higher or lower than the latch hole it can stop the lock from closing and require a professional locksmith. If the hole is small, you can use a metal file to increase the size cost of replacing window with french doors the hole.

Sagging

If your doors are creaking or have gaps between them, it can affect the insulating properties of your home and lower the efficiency of its energy use. These gaps can also obstruct views and cause drafts. Fortunately, there are a few simple fixes to help solve these issues.

Begin by tightening the hinges and aligning them properly. This should take only 10 minutes, and no tools are required. If this doesn't fix the issue it is time to replace the hinges. They are likely to be nearing the end of their lifecycle.

Over time over time, your French doors can loosen due to the weight. To prevent this from happening make sure that the hinges are tightened on your door and make sure they are secure. Sometimes, you must apply lubrication to the hinges using a spray of lubrication to prolong their life.

Replace hinges that are damaged or worn out to stop your door from sagging. A new doorknob, or freshly painted doors, can also affect the alignment of your repair french doors doors.

Other causes of sagging include foundation settlement, wear on hinges, or incorrect changes made to your doors. You can fix a door that is sagging by tightening or changing the hinges.

It is also important to inspect the weather stripping and door sweep often to ensure they're working properly. If they're not functioning you can take them off and replace them.

Finally, you should regularly check the wood on the door frame for indications of rotting or warping. These issues can lead to drafts, and they will not only decrease the effectiveness of your doors, but could also cause water leakage and other damage within your home.

Popular Mechanics advises that if your doors are creaking, and you've tried the previous two alternatives, you might need to sand the door jambs using a handplane. To do this, take the doors from the hinges and place them flat on a sawhorse, or something else that is sturdy. Then, mark the areas that require smoothing, and then use a plane to smooth these areas.

Leaks

French doors with large glass areas are prone to leaks, particularly when you live in a region that receives heavy rainfall. Left untreated, these leaks can cause the frame of the door to rot and the structure surrounding it. Fortunately, fixing leaks is a relatively simple task that will take only some time to complete.

Leaks can be caused by a number of reasons which include:

A broken seal

Replace the rubber seals on either side of your threshold with new ones. This will ensure that there is a tight fit, and will also stop rainwater from entering your home.

Water leaking from the sill

This problem can be caused a number of ways such as the absence of a sillpan or using a metal sill which is not watertight. If you see water accumulating around your French doors, it's important to get in touch with the builder and ask them to install sill pans or replace the sill made of steel with a wooden one that will be able to resist water.

Obstructions

A leaky seal could cause fog to accumulate between the double panes glass on French doors, which blocks the view and reduces their energy efficiency. It can be corrected by replacing french doors with windows the existing seal with one that can keep out moisture and air.

Loose handles

A handle that isn't tight could be dangerous since it can fall while you're opening or closing your French door. This issue can be resolved by tightening the screws or replacing window with french doors uk the handle if it's damaged or worn.

A track stop that is not properly installed can also cause doors to become jammed and scratch the frames. This issue can be resolved by putting silicone caulk on track stops or tracks. It is also recommended to regularly inspect the exterior surfaces of doors and frames for wear or cracks to make sure they are in good working order.

Warping

A French door offers a lovely view and allows plenty of light, however if you're not careful your doors may begin to warp because of exposure to heat or humidity. If this happens, it's worth hiring a handyman who specializes in repairing French doors. They will be able to advise you on the best method to fix your doors, and also ensure that they are safe to close and open.

If your doors are badly bent, it may be necessary to replace them. If they're only slightly warped, you might be in a position to straighten them by placing wet heavy towels over the problem area. Place the towels on the doors for several days or even longer until they are completely flattened.

This method can be used to restore uPVC or wood doors provided that the wood is well-seasoned. The process is challenging and time-consuming, particularly if your doors are warped.

The doors could warp if they have been stored incorrectly. Avoid them from building work that produces lots of moisture such as plastering and decorating. They should be kept in a flat place on a hard surface.

A damaged strike plate could also cause warping. To fix the issue, you will need to take your doors off and put them on a pair sawhorses. The wood that is left over can be removed from the edges at the top and bottom of each door with a hand plane. It is important to work in small pieces so you don't end up cutting too much off the doors, which could cause them to become too thin and fragile.

After the doors have been rehung, put the strike plate back in place. If the lock doesn't work, the barrel catch may be getting caught on the side of the frame. This is usually fixed by applying silicone spray. If that doesn't work, the latch might need to be replaced.